Town considers taxi cell phone ban

The City Council of this North Idaho town is considering prohibiting taxi and limousine drivers from using cell phones while driving.

The council’s administrative committee recommended to the full city council that the change be approved to an ordinance that governs taxi cabs in the city.

“National statistics show that there are a substantial number of accidents related to cell phone use,” said Will Herrington, city attorney.

He also recommended that the ordinance be updated to include limousines. The city was recently asked about starting a limousine service.

Sandpoint Cab Co. has three drivers. All carry cell phones that are listed in the phone book, and that’s how they are contacted by customers.

“That’s just our whole livelihood,” Sandpoint Cab Co. owner Kelly Allen told the Bonner County Daily Bee. “It actually has worked well. That’s the way it was set up. Callers get directly to the drivers.”

In Washington, all drivers will be prohibited from talking on cell phones without a hands-free device beginning July 1.

– Associated Press

Vancouver, B.C.

Tiger that killed woman euthanized

The tiger that fatally mauled a 32-year-old woman at an exotic animal farm in British Columbia has been euthanized, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said Sunday.

RCMP Cpl. Scott Ksionzik said the 3-year-old Bengal tiger was “humanely euthanized with the consent of the owner.”

Authorities said an autopsy on the animal will be conducted later this week.

Tanya Dumstrey-Soos, of 100 Mile House, B.C., was attacked last Thursday at Siberian Magic, an exotic animal farm owned by her fiance, Kim Carlton.

– Associated Press

Boise

Salary increases for state college leaders

Each of the presidents at Idaho’s four-year colleges has been given raises by the state board of education.

The raises, approved Friday, reflect both market forces and merit, said Mark Browning, board spokesman.

Boise State University President Bob Kustra received a raise of 8 percent, going from $261,262 to $282,463.

University of Idaho President Tim White received a 2 percent raise, seeing his salary increase from $286,188 to $291,912.

The president of Idaho State University, Arthur Valais, received a 5 percent increase that boosted his salary from $260,000 to $273,000.

Dene Thomas, president of Lewis-Clark State College, saw his salary rise 6 percent from $137,869 to $146,141.

– Associated Press

Ontario, Ore.

City makes owners pay for ‘dangerous’ dogs

The city of Ontario is slapping a $100 fee on dogs considered to be dangerous.

The City Council said the ordinance tries to balance community safety and the rights of pet owners, and that deeds, not the breeds, are the determining factors.

However, it puts a financial burden on the police department.

Ontario Police Chief Mike Kee designed the ordinance. He told the council the revenue is to “offset the costs of the city’s ordinance officer inspecting the premises to assure compliance of the vicious dog requirements” plus other administrative costs.

Owners of dangerous dogs also must pay an additional license fee, leash and muzzle the pet, post a dangerous dog sign, keep the dogs in cages, spay and neuter and train them, and implant them with microchips.

Dog owners can appeal the designations. But a city hearings officer could cost $1,500 a year, Kee has said.

– Associated Press